|
Trending Topics
|
Source: https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-769321
American Jews Mobilize to Help Equip Israeli Soldiers
(Jerusalem Post) Amy Klein - After the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel on Oct. 7, Jews around America took action: some raised money for established organizations, others helped to send IDF reservists home, and many wanted to ensure that Israeli soldiers were equipped to go into battle. Among the items most requested by IDF units were tactical gloves, LED headlights, and kneepads. Rachel Kahn, 26, a kindergarten teacher in Los Angeles, who served in the IDF, realized that donations were being gathered all around the city, in synagogues and people's houses, and they needed to be centralized. Kahn secured two warehouses - one for military and medical supplies and the other for nonessentials, including clothes, baby supplies, toys, and hygienic supplies. Kahn said they sent 15 pallets of military and medical equipment with a cargo plane chartered by Israel Friends, and are sending another five pallets. "What I learned from this process is that, as a Jewish nation, it's our passion to help each other. It's so amazing to come together in unison; the call to action as a nation is insane. We all want to be with Israel, to mourn with Israel, and all this feels really, really helpful, when we felt so helpless." Other American Jews are focusing on smaller operations. Jewelers have sent 2,000 watches to soldiers in Israel. A group in Miami has purchased thousands of combat tourniquets and is now moving to blood-clotting gauze. Another answered a request from Zaka to send body bags.